Unit Plan Cover Page

Unit Topic: Evolution Time Frame: Spring

Subject/Course: Biology Grade Level: 9

CONTENT STANDARDS
ARIZONA HIGH SCHOOL SCIENCE STANDARDS:
SCHS-S4-C4-01. Identify the following components of natural selection, which can lead to speciation: • potential for a species to increase its numbers •
genetic variability and inheritance of offspring due to mutation and recombination of genes • finite supply of resources required for life • selection by the
environment of those offspring better able to survive and produce offspring
SCHS-S4-C4-03. Describe how the continuing operation of natural selection underlies a population’s ability to adapt to changes in the environment and
leads to biodiversity and the origin of new species.
SCHS-S4-C4-05. Analyze how patterns in the fossil record, nuclear chemistry, geology, molecular biology, and geographical distribution give support to the
theory of organic evolution through natural selection over billions of years and the resulting present day biodiversity.

BIG IDEA/ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

Big Idea/Enduring Understanding guiding this unit: The process of evolution drives the diversity and unity of life. Life continues to evolve within a changing
environment.

Essential Questions: How has life on earth changed over time?

What evolutionary changes do you think could be happening currently, although you cannot see them?
What situations could give way to the evolution of a species?

ASSESSMENTS
List the assessments that will be used to gauge student learning. This may include traditional quizzes or exams, as well as major learning activities such
as simulations, labs, etc.
● Formative Assessments:
o Darwin’s Dangerous Idea Video Guide
o Into the Wild Video Guide
o Evolution Graphic Organizer
o Questions #1-25 from p. 389
o Horse Evolution Worksheet
o Comparing Adaptations of Birds Worksheet
o Bird Beak Lab Instruction/Question Packet
o Chapter 17 Packet
o Evolution Review Guide
● Summative Assessment:
o Evolution Exam
 RESOURCES/MATERIALS
List all resources (copyrighted or otherwise) that you will need to teach this unit. This should be a comprehensive list of all resources you will need to
create or borrow (including textbook chapters, additional readings, videos, power points and teaching notes, handouts, assessments, etc.)
● Biology Textbook by Miller & Levine
● Borrowing the following from mentor:
● Google Calendar to view previous years
● Darwin’s Dangerous Idea Video
● Darwin’s Dangerous Idea Video Guide
● Evolution PowerPoint
● Into the Wild Video
● Into the Wild Video Guide
● Evolution Graphic Organizer
● Horse Evolution Worksheet
● Comparing Adaptations of Birds Worksheet
● Evolution Review Guide
● Evolution Exam
● Chapter 17 Packet
● Bird Beak Data Table Handout
● Bird Beak Lab Instruction/Question Packet
● Bird Beak Lab Supplies:
o Paper cups
o Spoons
o Popsicle Sticks
o Scissors
o Tweezers
o Clothes Pins
o Toothpicks
o ¼” Washers
o Small rocks
 Unit Calendar
(For each class period, list the topic of the day. You may indicate major instructional activities or standards if you choose.)
(Insert or delete days of the week as appropriate for your school district calendar. Add or delete weeks depending on the length of your unit.)

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

Evolution Introduction Video: Darwin’s Dangerous Evolution Graphic Evolution PowerPoint: Into the Wild – Short
Start Video: Darwin’s Idea with Video Guide Organizer Natural Selection & Fossil Video with Guide
Dangerous Idea Record
Assign: p. 389 #1-25

PowerPoint: Adaptations Bird Beak Lab Bird Beak Lab Evolution PowerPoint –
Biological Adaptions Genes & Variation,
Comparing Adaptations of Speciation
Horse Evolution Birds Worksheet
Worksheet Ch. 17 Packet

Evolution Review Guide Evolution Test